The study, now in its 11th year, is based on the responses of 38,931 North American travelers asked to rate airports in six areas: terminal facilities; accessibility; security check; baggage claim; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage, and retail. After analyzing the answers, the global marketing information services firm then ranked airports on a 1,000-point scale: LaGuardia received a 649, ringing in dead last out of the country's 32 large airports. The next worst? Also not that surprising: Newark Liberty, which received a 669. Portland International Airport took top marks with 786 points, followed closely by Tampa International (775) and Las Vegas McCarran (759).

Is there hope for LaGuardia? The much-maligned Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is in the middle of its multibillion-dollar revamp of the facilities, which travelers could benefit from as early as 2018. In the meantime, however, construction woes are only adding to overcrowded terminals and underwhelming concessions offerings. Maybe next year, LaGuardia...